John Ziegler, NHL president who oversaw merger, dies at 84
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John Ziegler Jr.'s tumultuous 15 years as NHL president began with the league ushering in the Wayne Gretzky era and ended with labor unrest and a players strike in 1992.
The NHL on Friday confirmed Ziegler's death, although the cause was not immediately known. He was 84 and living in Florida.
"His positive imprint on the game of hockey cannot ever be overstated," Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said. "While he will be missed, his legacy and contributions to our sport will carry on forever."
Ziegler was the first American to run the league and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.